GOP lawmaker supports Democrat Schimel

A Daily News story over the weekend outlining how Democratic Long Island Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel may face a challenge from her husband Mark Schimel, who is separated from her, has sparked some outspoken support from across the political aisle and from across the hallway that separates the Assembly and Senate chambers.

When it comes to party politics, there are some differences between the two — Schimel has campaigned long and hard for tougher gun control laws and has championed the idea of micro-stamping cartridges. That plan has never gotten through the Republican-controlled Senate.

But Martins was quick to support the incumbent Schimel when I spoke to him earlier today.

Some have suggested he may be worried that Schimel’s challenger could provoke a backlash i.e. a heavier-than-usual Democratic vote in November which could be a problem for Martins. (I haven’t seen any female vs male voting stats on the Schimel or Martins races but certainly there could be a gender backlash as well, prompting a higher-than-usual number of women voters coming to Michelle Schimel’s defense. Or her husband could theoretically draw some male voters).

Martins downplayed that idea, saying instead that one’s estranged husband shouldn’t run against his spouse out of pique.

Nothing that “Michelle and I have worked pretty well together,” Martins said elections should “be about ideas and issues. They are not about personal issues.”

“The idea of a husband running against a wife, the basic concept is absurd,” added Martins. “I am hopeful that this thing doesn’t degenerate into a circus.”